Unequal Jury Representation and Its Consequences

Randi Hjalmarsson, Patrick Bayer and Shamena Anwar

No 15909, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: We analyze the extent and consequences of unequal representation on juries in Harris County, Texas. We first document that residents from predominantly white and high-income neighborhoods are substantially over-represented on juries. Using quasi-random variation in those called for jury duty each day, we next establish that Black defendants are more likely to be convicted and receive longer sentences from juries with more residents from these over-represented neighborhoods. We estimate that equal representation would reduce Black defendants’ median sentence length by 50 percent and the probability of receiving a life sentence by 67 percent. Straightforward remedies could mitigate this severe bias.

Keywords: Jury; Crime; Sentences; Representation; Inequality; Race (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-law and nep-ure
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Journal Article: Unequal Jury Representation and Its Consequences (2022)
Working Paper: Unequal Jury Representation and Its Consequences (2021)
Working Paper: Unequal Jury Representation and Its Consequences (2021)
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